Scouting Report: Michigan State looks to send seniors off with home win vs. Northwestern

Michigan State junior Le'Veon Bell leads the Big Ten in rushing. Will he leave early for the NFL after lead the Spartans to a bowl?J. Scott Park | MLive.com

EAST LANSING — Five things to watch heading into Michigan State's game against Northwestern at Spartan Stadium:

Mark-o PoloMichigan State will have to keep its eyes on Northwestern tailback Venric Mark, who leads the Big Ten in all-purpose yards. As a running back, Mark has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in every conference game but one. As a punt returner, Mark is averaging 21.6 yards per return, nearly eight yards ahead of second place.

Senior sendoffMichigan State is just 5-5 this season, but its senior class has been part of 33 wins over the past four seasons, tied for the second most in program history. Left guard Chris McDonald is the lone starter on offense, while tackle Anthony Rashad White, cornerback Johnny Adams and linebacker Chris Norman are vital cogs to the defense. Dan Conroy has been the Spartans' kicker the past three seasons.

Bowling for SpartansMichigan State has been to a bowl game in each of Mark Dantonio's five seasons. In order for that streak to continue, the Spartans must win one of their final two games. Beat Northwestern and Michigan State could be headed to the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. Lose (and win next week at Minnesota) and Michigan State could be going west for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in Tempe, Ariz.

Last for Le'Veon?Le'Veon Bell leads the Big Ten in rushing (1,249 yards) and carries (283) through 10 games. The junior running back said this week he would explore his NFL draft options after the season, which means today could be his last game at Spartan Stadium. Bell, who has earned his yards this season behind an injury-depleted offensive line, is coming off an 188-yard effort against Nebraska.

End gameBoth Michigan State and Northwestern have had trouble finishing off Big Ten opponents. The Spartans' four conference losses have all been by four points or less, including three at home. Michigan State's last six games have been decided by four points or fewer. In all three of the Wildcats' B1G defeats they have held fourth-quarter leads, two of them were double digits.